Back in the day

Before the advent of the Internet, stock quotes were printed by telegraph machines on continuous paper ribbon known as ticker tape. In 1886, New Yorkers became the first to use the tape as confetti during an impromptu celebration of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, inventing what would come to be known as a "ticker-tape parade." Since then, ticker-tape parades have been used to greet dignitaries, honor war heroes, and fete sports teams. What materials are now used instead of ticker tape?

Feature

Inhabiting the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans, sea snakes can sometimes be found swarming by the thousands. Oarlike tails help them swim and a specialized lung and valved nostrils allow them to remain submerged for up to eight hours. There are more than 50 species of sea snake, all of which are venomous. Their venom quickly immobilizes small fish and other prey; however, they are not aggressive and rarely attack humans. Almost all sea snakes are ovoviviparous, which means what?

Born on a day like today

Boswell was a Scottish lawyer and author who is best known for his biography of English literary scholar and critic Samuel Johnson, a noted wit. Boswell's record of Johnson's pithy remarks earned The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. recognition as one of the greatest biographies of Western literature. So skillful was his work that Johnson is perhaps better remembered for his sayings in the biography than for his own writings. What Boswell manuscripts were discovered in the 20th century?